Can I Give My Cat Keflex?

Keflex or Cephalexin is an antibiotic that is sometimes given to cats, but you should get it from your vet, and not medicate them at home using a supply you have on hand. This is most commonly used to treat urinary tract infections, but can also be used for other problems.

UTIs can be pretty common in cats, and they can also become a serious problem if left untreated. That’s why it’s good to spot them early and start treatment right away, to help your cat avoid the pain and suffering that comes with them. You might start to notice that they’re having trouble urinating, and if it gets to the point where they’re yowling when they go, it typically means it’s escalated to the point of a vet visit.

Your vet might prescribe a specially formulated Keflex after they check them out, and this will not only be better tolerated by your cat, it will also be dosed accurately. Those are the two main considerations you have to keep in mind when you are thinking about giving your cat a dose of Cephalexin that you may have available from your own personal use.

Can I Give My Cat Keflex? Answer: By Prescription Only

We understand that you might want to avoid a pricey vet visit if you already have a supply of Keflex at home, but it’s important to bring your cat in if you suspect they need an antibiotic, because the vet will be able to not only accurately diagnose what’s wrong with your cat, but also provide the right prescription for them. Cat medications are specially formulated for cats, and take into consideration their age, weight, and previous medical problems.

All Natural Alternatives
There aren’t really any alternatives to an antibiotic, that’s why they’re so popular, but you can treat some conditions without having to resort to them. This is especially true if your cat is suffering from a UTI. Even switching to an all natural cat food can do wonders to help them recover from this.

Dangers of Using Human Medication
There are plenty of cat owners and vets that advocate giving your cat medication, just in smaller doses. While this may work if followed to the letter, it’s typically not the best treatment for your cat, and can backfire on you, leaving them in worse shape than when you started, and potentially even killing them. There’s having a good intention of helping your cat out, but if you take it too far you might end up doing more harm than good.

Aren’t We All Mammals?
While there are plenty of similarities between humans and cats, including common organs like the heart, lungs, stomach, and plenty of others, there are still far too many differences in the way that our bodies are made up, including the kind of digestive enzymes we use to break down foods, as well as medicine. The type of Keflex that your doctor will prescribe to you is different than the kind your vet will prescribe for your cat.

At some point you’ll have to decide for yourself whether you’re going to be the type of owner that gives their cat medication, or that doesn’t. There are plenty of owners that will say it’s OK, or that their vet said it was OK for their cat, and even go so far as to tell you what dosage to give them. But keep in mind that they are giving you advice based on only one cat, and you don’t have all of the details, like any long term effects the drug might have had on the animal. There’s just too many unknowns at play here, so it’s best to play it safe.

If you are trying to treat your cat for a urinary tract infection then you should take them in to see the vet. This is a big enough problem that it warrants a visit, and you’ll be able to have peace of mind knowing that you did right by your feline friend. You can ask for generic meds as well to try to keep the cost down, and since its an antibiotic be sure to follow the dosages accurately and use the entire supply.